Train conductor verbally abused by football fan

Chris McCall

A train conductor was verbally abused by a man believed to be returning from Sunday’s Hibernian v Rangers match.

Shortly after the 3.35 p.m. Waverley to Dunblane service left Edinburgh a ScotRail member of staff had to ask a group of men to stop shouting and chanting as there were other passengers – including children – travelling on the train.

The conductor, a 47-year-old man, was subjected to offensive verbal abuse by one of the group described as being aged in his 20s, about 6 ft in height, of slim build and wearing an orange jacket.

The group alighted from the service at Stirling and CCTV footage from the station and the train will be reviewed to help identify the man responsible.

The service called at Polmont, Falkirk Grahamston and Larbert stations and any witnesses are asked to come forward.

Constable Fiona Macaulay, the BTP officer investigating the unsavoury incident, said: “Rail staff and other passengers should be able to work and travel without encountering antisocial behaviour of any kind and I am therefore keen to speak with anyone who was on the train and witnessed the abuse to contact BTP.”

British Transport Police can be contacted on 0800 40 50 40 or by texting 61016 – quoting reference B3 of 23/03/2015. Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.